Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Mammals Decline in Africa's National Parks

A new study published in Biological Conservation paints disturbing scenario of wildlife in Africa. Parks like Masai Mara and the Serengeti have seen populations of large mammals decline by up to 59 per cent.

The study was headed by scientist from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Cambridge University.

An average decline of almost 60 per cent in the population abundance of 69 key species including lion, wildebeest, giraffe, buffalo and zebra was noticed between 1970 and 2005, in 78 protected areas throughout Africa.

Lack of financial and personnel resources, high rates of habitat degradation and the growing bushmeat trade are attributed as reasons for the worrisome decline.

The situation outside the parks is even worse. Many species like rhino are practically extinct outside national parks.